Who's behind the notes? Discover Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Maestro of Modern Musical Theatre
"Don't Cry for Me Argentina" is a famous song composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber with lyrics by Tim Rice for the rock opera "Evita," which tells the story of Eva Perón, the former First Lady of Argentina. Here are some interesting facts about Andrew Lloyd Webber and this iconic song:
Collaborative Success: "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" is one of the most iconic songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber's career, and it helped solidify his collaboration with lyricist Tim Rice. Together, they also worked on other successful musicals such as "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat."
Inspirational Source: The song was inspired by a famous balcony speech made by Eva Perón in 1951, during which she addressed the people of Argentina from the Casa Rosada balcony in Buenos Aires. This momentous event in Argentine history served as the basis for the song's lyrics.
Chart-Topping Success: When "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" was released as a single by Julie Covington, who played the role of Eva Perón in the original concept album, it became a major hit. The song topped the UK Singles Chart in 1976 and received widespread acclaim.
Madonna's Version: In the 1996 film adaptation of "Evita," Madonna portrayed Eva Perón and sang "Don't Cry for Me Argentina." Her rendition of the song also achieved commercial success and received critical acclaim. The film's soundtrack, featuring Madonna's performance, helped introduce the song to a new generation of audiences.
Awards and Honors: "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" earned Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice an Academy Award for Best Original Song when it appeared in the film adaptation of "Evita." The song has also received numerous awards and nominations over the years, including Grammy Awards and Olivier Awards.
International Popularity: Beyond its success in English-speaking countries, the song has been translated and performed in multiple languages worldwide. It remains a symbol of Eva Perón's legacy and has been covered by various artists from different cultural backgrounds.
Cultural Impact: "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" has become an anthem for hope and resilience, often associated with political and social movements. Its lyrics and melody have resonated with people facing adversity and challenges.
Stage Productions: "Evita" has been staged numerous times worldwide, with different actresses taking on the role of Eva Perón. Each production has put its unique spin on "Don't Cry for Me Argentina," ensuring the song's enduring presence in the world of musical theater.
"Don't Cry for Me Argentina" is not only a memorable song from the musical "Evita" but also a cultural and musical phenomenon with a lasting impact on the world of music and theater.